We come across so many skincare advices on the internet to keep our skin clear and radiant. Are all of these advices correct? The answer is no. In fact they can be more damaging to the skin than being beneficial. We debunked some common skincare myths so that you can take care of your skin more efficiently. Read on to know more about these skincare myths!

Myth 1 – It’s okay to sleep with your makeup on

Sleeping with makeup on can lead to clogged pores which can further cause breakouts as a lot of oil and dirt gets build up on the skin. Also these pollutants can break down the collagen in your skin and can increase the ageing process. So it is always ideal to remove your make up before going to bed with micellar water or a makeup cleansing balm.

Myth 2 - You don’t need sunscreen if its cloudy outside

You need to apply sunscreen every day regardless of the weather outside. If you are stepping out of the house without applying sunscreen or protecting your skin with SPF it will lead to damaging skin over time and you will be able to see early signs of ageing such as wrinkles and dark spots. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater every day to protect your skin against the UVA and UVB rays

Myth 3 -  Drinking water keeps your skin hydrated

There is no proven evidence supporting that drinking more water is helpful to the skin. Drinking more water can be helpful for other health conditions. Water does not get absorbed by the skin automatically whenever we drink it. So it is always advisable to use gentle cleansers, moisturisers or hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated.

Myth 4 - Not washing your face causes acne

Acne is not caused because of not cleaning your face properly or often enough. It is developed due to clogged pores, sebum, bacteria and inflammation. So, while not cleaning your face certainly won’t help the problem, it’s not the only reason for acne.

Myth 5 – Over exfoliation is good

Exfoliating is beneficial for the skin as it helps in eradicating dead skin cells but over exfoliation can damage the skin and lead to irritation. This is why it is always advisable to exfoliate your skin only 1-2 times per week.

Myth 6 – People with oily skin don’t need a moisturiser

Regardless of your skin type, you will always need a moisturiser to keep the skin balanced and nourished. People with oily skin type should opt for a lightweight oil-free formula to keep the skin moisturised as oily skin can get dehydrated which leads to excessive oil production and hence your skin will be more oily and greasier than ever. So it is always good to apply a moisturiser even if you have oily skin.

Myth 7 - Dark circles are a sign you're tired

As we all think that lack of sleep can aggravate dark circles but it’s not the only cause. Dark circles can also happen due to the pigmentation of skin in the orbital area. Dark circles are much more noticeable when you have thinner skin, which naturally happens with age. Other reasons like allergies, undernourishment, exposure to sun and dehydration can also cause dark circles.

Myth 8 - Your pores can open and close

We cannot open or close our pores. Pores tends to get stretched out because of age, genetics, temperature along with being clogged with dirt and oil which makes them appear larger. Using exfoliants can aid us minimize our pores which makes them look tinier.

Myth 9 - If it’s burning, it means it’s working

This is absolutely false. If it burns, remove it immediately. Whenever you apply certain skincare products a little tingling sensation is normal but stinging or burning is not. This type of sensation means that your skin is irritated by the product you used or you are allergic to certain ingredients. Always do a patch test on your hand before applying the products to avoid such situations.

Myth 10 - You don’t need a retinol until age 50

Retinol helps in increasing collagen production and skin cell turnover, treating acne, unclogging pores, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles and even out skin tone. It is perfect to begin applying retinol in your mid 20s in order to avoid your skin from damaging. You can start using retinol 2-3 times per week and eventually after few weeks every day.

Now that you know the truth about these myths put your knowledge to good use and curate a skincare routine that will keep your skin healthy and happy!!